Since the Popes invitation to
families to meet in Rio de Janeiro on October 1-5, 1997
for the Second World Meeting of the Holy Father With
Families, preparation began around the world throughout
dioceses to prepare families spiritually for this
celebration. The Pontifical Council For The Family
established pastoral aids to assist families with this
preparation. Each Bishop was given the material to make
most suitable according to cultures and customs. In some areas the diocese
implemented this program on Mother's and Father's day,
Advent, Lent and Easter.

All
families are invited to take part in this celebration,
including those who will not be able to go to Rio de
Janeiro. The families who will go to Brazil will
represent their whole local Christian community which
will join them spiritually, and through television,
radio, or the Internet in the Rio celebrations. Since so
many dioceses have established a program for the Jubilee
Year 2000, family themes that have been prepared for this
occasion can be cross-referenced to prepare for the Great
Celebration of Christs birth. These pastoral aids
or themes were designed for not only priests, but also
religious men and women, and married persons.

Themes for the New
Evangelization and the Family in Preparation for the
Second World Meeting with the Holy Father

The structure of the themes
consist of (1)Opening song/hymn (2) The Lords
Prayer (3) Scripture Reading (4) A Reading from the
Teaching of the Church (5) The Bishops Reflection
(6) Dialogue (7) Commitments (8) Psalmns (9) The Hail
Mary with the invocation: Queen of the Family: Pray for
us. (10) Prayer for the Family (11) Final song/hymn.